Quick change battery system

ABSTRACT

A portable, battery operated electronic device for facilitating battery exchange. The electronic device housing has an opening for containing the battery. The opening has first and second apertures for permitting the battery to be pushed directly into contact with a retainer. Access to the battery is unobstructed to expedite battery exchange and to permit movement of the battery in different directions through the housing opening. The method of the invention permits quick exchange of batteries so that continuous operation of the electronic device is not encumbered. By sliding the battery against electrical contacts within the opening, the contacts are automatically cleaned during battery replacement. Visual contact with the battery permits continuous display of battery charge strips attached to the battery exterior case.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention described herein relates to the field of battery operateddevices such as electronic controllers. More particularly, the inventionrelates to an apparatus and method for permitting unobstructed access tobatteries in electronic devices to facilitate the quick replacement of adischarged battery.

Small, portable batteries provide electric power to portable electronicand electrical devices such as radios, lap top computers, car alarms,garage door openers, smoke alarms, telephones, pagers, television andvideo controllers, electronic game controllers, and other devices.Batteries are typically contained within a compartment or chambercovered by a moveable door or panel. Such doors prevent batteries frombeing displaced from electrical contacts and prevent dirt from enteringthe battery compartment.

Certain accessory uses such as game controllers, portable radios, musicplayers, and other devices provide continuous play over long timeperiods. For electronic game controllers, players sometimes engage ingames which extend beyond the useful life of a battery. To providecommunication between a controller and receiver base unit, cumbersomepower and control cables connect the game controller to the receiverbase unit. Such cables limit player mobility and present hazards tochildren and other persons.

Portable controllers can be provided which communicate through infraredsignals between the controller and the receiver base unit, however theutility of such controllers is limited by available battery power. Anelectronic game player may be engrossed in a personal record highscoring game at the moment that battery power is discharged, therebydisrupting the game at the crucial moment as the battery is replaced.

Conventional battery storage systems encumber a person's ability toexchange a discharged battery with a charged replacement battery. Inmost systems, a door or panel must be removed so that the batteries canbe removed from the housing cavity. Representative examples of batterystorage compartments and covers are found in U.S. Pat. No. 4,129,688 toFisher (1978) and U.S. Pat. No. 4,166,359 to Domokos (1977) whichdisclosed watch housing covers for creating a waterproof compartment. U.S. Pat. No. 4,182,020 to Malloy (1980) also disclosed a waterproof coverfor sealing a battery within a watch housing. U.S. Pat. No. 5,010,532 toPerrot (1991) disclosed a watch opening and cover for closing a batteryhousing, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,645,954 to Tamuru (1997) disclosed amoveable terminal connected to a battery compartment cover.

Although different techniques have been developed to remove dischargedbatteries from compartments, significant dexterity is often required toextricate such batteries. In one technique, flexible pull tabs orribbons are positioned below the battery and one end of the ribbon isconnected to the housing and the other ribbon end extends exterior ofthe battery. The free ribbon end is pulled to dislodge the battery, andinsertion of the replacement battery pushes the ribbon back into thecompartment. Flat bladed tools can be inserted between batteries and thecase housing to pry the battery from the compartment. Another techniqueuses a special gripping tool to engage and to remove the battery.Representative examples are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,138,531 to Thompson(1979) which disclosed a technique for manually lifting a battery from abattery holder and in U.S. Pat. No. 5,617,079 to Harrison (1997) whichdisclosed an elongated rod and carriage for inserting and removing abattery from a device.

When compartments doors are used, various systems have been developed tolatch the compartment door. U.S. Pat. No. 4,371,594 to Ohara et al.(1983) disclosed a lock for a battery compartment door, U. S. Pat. No.5,337,215 to Sunderland et al. (1994) disclosed a pivoting batterycompartment and door, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,722,705 to Deguchi (1998)disclosed a lock structure for a battery compartment cover. U.S. Pat.No. 4,904,549 to Goodwin et al. (1990) disclosed a latch for releasing abattery from a locked position relative to a battery housing.

An improved battery compartment door system for a battery operated pagerwas disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,369,802 to Murray (1994). Thedischarged battery was changed by pushing a replacement battery againstan entrance door and into contact with the discharged battery. An exitbattery door was opened for the discharged battery as the replacementbattery opened the entrance door. Operation of the doors was automaticduring battery insertion into the battery compartment.

In addition to battery compartments having moveable doors and covers,removable, rechargeable battery packs and latching systems have beendeveloped to facilitate battery replacement. U.S. Pat. No. 4,191,917 toBrown et al. (1978) disclosed such a rechargeable battery pack. U. S.Pat. No. 4,191,917 to Brown et al. (1980) also disclosed a replaceablebattery pack. U.S. Pat. No. 3,999,110 to Ramstrom et al. (1975), U.S.Pat. No. 4,146,682 to Nakao (1979), U.S. Pat. No. 5,213,913 to Anthonyet al. (1993), U.S. Pat. No. 5,401,592 to Gilpin et al. (1993), and U.S.Pat. No, 4,871,629 to Bunyea (1989) disclosed latching systems for abattery pack. U.S. Pat. No. 5,573,870 to Andrews (1996) disclosed aquick change battery pack assembly. U.S. Pat. No. 5,637,417 to Engmarket al. (1997) disclosed a push button operated release for a springloaded battery pack, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,786,106 to Armani (1998)disclosed a battery replacement cartridge.

When a replacement battery is exchanged for a discharged battery,different systems have been developed to prevent loss of power to theattached electronic components. U.S. Pat. No. 5,148,042 to Nakazoe(1992) disclosed an electronic device locking device for releasablylocking batteries. U.S. Pat. No. 5,712,553 to Hallberg (1998) discloseda battery power supply transposition circuit. U.S. Pat. No. 5,832,282(1998) and 5,579,491 to Jeffries et al. (1994) disclosed systems forimplementing battery hot swapping in portable computers, and U.S. Pat.Nos. 5,028,806 to Stewart et al. (1989) and to Stewart et al. (1991)disclosed circuitry for switching between batteries in a portablecomputer. U.S. Pat. No. 4,648,066 to Pitt (1987) disclosed a module andspecial battery connector permitting battery replacement without loss ofstored data.

Although a significant amount of effort has been dedicated to improvingtechniques for storing and replacing batteries in portable electronicdevices, such devices require manual door operation or cartridgelatching systems which delay battery replacement operations and increasethe expense of the electronic device. Complicated door mechanisms aresubject to malfunction and breakage and are undesirable for continuousoperation devices such as game controllers. Accordingly, a need existsfor an improved battery replacement and storage device which permitsrapid battery replacement with minimal disruption to operation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a method and apparatus for permitting replacementof a battery having positive and negative terminals. The apparatuscomprises a housing and an opening in said housing having a firstaperture and a second aperture sufficiently large to permit movement ofthe battery therethrough. A retainer means is engaged with the housingfor holding the battery in a selected position relative to the opening,and the battery is accessible through the opening for permittingdisplacement of the battery from the opening.

In different embodiments of the invention, the retaining means cancomprise electrical contacts for engagement with the battery positiveand negative terminals, and the battery can be completely containedwithin the housing opening. The electrical contacts can be engaged withelectronic components, and a battery can be placed within a cartridgefor insertion into the housing opening.

The method of the invention is practiced by placing a battery proximateto a first aperture of a housing opening having first and secondapertures sufficiently large to permit movement of the batterytherethrough, of moving the battery into contact with retainer meansengaged with said housing for holding the battery in a selected positionrelative to the electrical contacts so that the positive and negativeterminals of the battery are engaged with the electrical contacts and sothat access to the battery through the first and second apertures isunobstructed, and of displacing the battery from the opening through thesecond aperture. In different embodiments of the method, the battery canbe displaced from the opening by moving a second battery through theopening, and the electrical contacts are cleaned by moving the batterythrough the opening.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a portable controller having an opening forcontaining a battery.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side sectional view of a housing and opening.

FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate a retainer mechanism for engaging and forpermitting disengagement of a battery.

FIG. 5 illustrates a slot for orienting a battery within a housing andfurther illustrates a detent for activating a charge strip.

FIG. 6 illustrates the displacement of a battery from the housingopening.

FIG. 7 illustrates a second battery displacing a discharged battery.

FIG. 8 illustrates a cartridge for insertion into the housing opening.

FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate a sequence for replacing a battery in ahousing having flexible retainer means for gripping the batteries.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The invention provides a unique apparatus and method for retainingbatteries and for permitting the quick replacement of batteries inelectronic devices such as game controllers. Referring to FIG. 1,portable device or controller 10 is formed with housing 12 havingopening 14. Controller 10 can incorporate electrical or electroniccomponents for performing selected functions. As shown in FIG. 2,opening 14 has first aperture 16 and second aperture 18 which aresufficiently large to permit the entry of battery 20 into opening 14.Retainer means such as electrical contacts 22 and 24 are attached tohousing 12 within opening 14 for engaging and for retaining battery 20in a stationary position relative to housing 12. Electrical contacts 22and 24 can also provide the function of providing electrical contactwith positive and negative terminals of battery 20, however the primaryfunction of electrical contacts 22 and 24 as a retainer means is toprovide engagement between battery 20 and housing 12. Such retainermeans can comprise a clip, latch, flexible cord, clearance fit, or otherstructural or mechanical combination of elements sufficient to retainbattery 20 stationary relative to housing 12. In other embodiments ofthe invention, the electrical contacts and device for retaining battery20 can be separate from a retainer means for gripping battery 20.

The term “opening” as used herein describes an open space serving as apassage for the movement of batteries. Opening 14 provides a passage forpermitting the movement of battery 20 therethrough, and can be straight,curved, or irregular in shape. Although opening 14 is illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2 as a substantially straight passage within housing 12,opening 14 could bend at different angles so that second aperture 18 isnot perpendicular with first aperture 16 as shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of the invention wherein retainermeans 26 holds battery 20 relative to housing 12. Retainer means 26 cancomprise an electrical contact as shown in FIG. 2 and can be formed withflexible tabs 28 each having one or more fins 30 as shown in FIG. 4.Tabs 28 can be molded directly into different portions of housing 12,and one or more tabs 28 can retain battery 20 and ensure the properorientation of battery 20 relative to housing 12 and to electricalcontacts 22 and 24.

Opening 14 permits battery 20 to be observed at all times duringoperation of controller 10. If battery 20 is formed with a stripindicating the charge status of the battery as shown in FIG. 5, opening14 permits visual contact with such charge strip indicator. Batterieshaving a charge strip typically require depression of such strip elementto activate operation of the charge strip. To automatically accomplishthis function, spring-loaded detent 31 can be integrated with housing 12as shown in FIG. 5.

Although opening 14 is not closed to dirt and other contaminants in theenvironment around controller 10, opening 14 can be formed in such a waythat discontinuities for trapping dirt are not present. By moldinghousing 12 in two fitted components, housing 12 is easily manufacturedand provides a smooth, continuous interior surface forming opening 14.This combination of second aperture 18 with first aperture 16 withinopening 14 permits dirt and other contaminants to be flushed throughopening 14 without accumulating within a recess or compartment, incontrast with conventional battery compartments requiring acontamination-proof door or cover.

Although battery 20 is illustrated in a preferred embodiment as beingrecessed completely within an exterior surface of housing 12, theretaining means could hold battery 20 partially or wholly outside ofhousing 12 exterior surface. The interior placement is preferred becausebattery 20 is protected from accidental contact and can be insulatedfrom vibrations which might damage electrical contacts 22 or dislodgebattery 20 from engagement with electrical contacts 22. A single battery20 is illustrated in stationary contact relative to electrical contacts22, however more than one battery 20 can be stacked in differentorientations within opening 14.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, opening 14 can be oriented with slot 32 toprovide a polarized shape for battery 20. If the controller 10 requiresone or more AA batteries having standard positive and negativeterminals, slot 32 can be configured to permit the proper insertion ofbattery 20 through opening 14. This feature of the invention preventsbattery 20 from being inserted backwards into opening 14, and preventsaccidental, improper contact between the terminals of battery 20 andelectrical contacts 22 and 24. Accordingly, slot 32 provides a safetyfeature for preventing accidental damage to electronic components withincontroller 10.

To remove battery 20 from opening 14, battery 20 is pushed througheither first aperture 16 or through second aperture 18 as shown in FIG.6. During such movement, electrical contacts 22 and 24 are cleaned asthe positive and negative terminals of battery 20 slide relative toelectrical contacts 22 and 24. This movement automatically cleanselectrical contacts 22 and 24 without requiring separate attention, andfurther permits electrical contacts 22 and 24 to be cleaned in a singledirection across the entire face of electrical contacts 22 and 24. Anycontact wear and cleaning efficiency is uniform because of the linearmovement of the battery 20 terminals relative to electrical contacts 22and 24.

Electrical contacts 22 and 24 can be elongated along the length ofopening 14 between first aperture 16 and second aperture 18 to provide amake or break function. This feature permits a replacement battery suchas battery 34 to engage electrical contacts 22 and 24 before dischargedbattery 20 is removed from housing 12. Suitable electronic componentscan be provided to regulate electrical current during the exchange ofbattery 20. For example, diodes can prevent replacement battery fromtransmitting energy into discharged battery 20 in higher voltagebatteries.

In one embodiment of the invention, a brief power interruption occursand electronics within controller 10 bridge the split second poweroutage during battery exchange. This feature is desirable becausecontroller 10 does not simultaneously engage two batteries (such as anearly discharged battery and a fully charged battery) in parallel. Thetemporary condition of two batteries in parallel could cause leakage orexplosion of the discharged battery unless electronics for addressingmultiple battery contact was provided. In another embodiment of theinvention, make before break electronics can be provided so that powerinterruption does not occur. In another embodiment of the invention, twopairs of electrical contacts 22 and 24 can be provided, and electronicswithin controller 10 can prevent cross contact between battery 20 andbattery 34 during exchange procedures.

FIG. 6 illustrates the displacement of battery 20 from engagement withretainer means such as electrical contacts 22. Battery 20 can bedislodged from such engagement with a person's finger or by theinsertion of an object into contact with battery 20. FIG. 7 illustratesanother embodiment of the invention wherein a second, chargedreplacement battery 34 is moved into first aperture 16 and into contactwith the original discharged battery 20 in contact with electricalcontacts 22 and 24. As the replacement battery 34 is moved throughopening 14, the discharged battery 20 is displaced from opening 14 andreplacement battery 34 is moved into engagement with electrical contacts22 and 24 and with tabs 28.

Battery 20 is insertable into opening 14 through either first aperture16 or through second aperture 18. This feature of the invention providesunique flexibility in the construction and use of housing 12 bypermitting operation and battery 20 exchange from more than one side ofhousing 14. This design also provides unique flexibility in the designand construction of housing 12. Housing 12 can be molded in a singlepiece or in two or more pieces connectable with snap fittings or otherconventional fastening systems. This design flexibility significantlysimplifies manufacture, assembly, and repair of controller 10.

Access to battery 20 is unobstructed through first aperture 16 or secondaperture 18. This feature of the invention permits battery 20 to bedisplaced from opening 14 in either direction through first aperture 16or through second aperture 18. Additionally, this feature of theinvention permits battery 20 to be displaced from opening 14 in manydifferent ways. Battery 20 can be displaced from opening 14 with aperson's finger, with contact from another battery 20 moving throughopening, or with another object urged against battery 20. In otherembodiments of the invention, battery 20 can be carried by a case suchas cartridge 36 insertable through opening 14 as shown in FIG. 8.Cartridge 36 can carry one or more batteries, and can be integratedwithin battery 20. Cartridge 36 can be configured to enter firstaperture 16 and to exit second aperture 18, or vice versa. Cartridge 36can have slot 38 engagable with key 40 for aligning the electrodes ofbattery 20 with electrical contacts 22 and 24. Ribs 42 engageable withrecesses 44 can temporarily retain cartridge 36 within opening 14.

FIGS. 9 and 10 show a sequence of battery 34 displacing battery 20 incontact with fins 30 and flexible tabs 28. Fins 30 directly contactbattery 20 for retaining battery 20 in the proper place as shown in FIG.9. The natural molded-in position of tabs 28 provides a spring loadedfeature for retaining battery 20. As battery 34 is moved into contactwith battery 20, tabs 28 move outwardly as shown in FIG. 10. Whenbattery 34 is retained by tabs 28 and fins 30, tabs provide a restoringforce for gripping battery 34. By rounding the bases for tabs 28,additional flexure is provided to provide a gripping force againstbattery 20 or replacement battery 34. The material used for tabs 28 cancomprise ABS or PVC plastic or a composite, metallic, or other suitablematerial. The material used will affect the tab base curve radius, tabthickness, and height of fins 30. Although FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate onetechnique for using tabs 28 and fins 30 as retainer means, many otherforms and combinations of components can accomplish the inventivefunction of temporarily retaining a battery stationary to housing 12.

Movement of battery 20 through opening 14 cleans electrical contacts 22each time that battery 20 is exchanged with a new replacement battery34. Instead of using compartment doors or panels to prevent dirt andother contaminants from entering the battery compartment, the inventionprovides an unobstructed opening 14 for permitting passage of dirtcompletely through housing 12. Any dirt contamination of electricalcontacts 22 is contact wiped clean during battery 20 replacement,thereby providing a self cleaning function for the invention. Thiswiping function removes contaminants and oxidation from contact points,and potentially creates a molecular bond between metals resistant tocontamination and oxidation.

The invention significantly decreases the time necessary to exchangebatteries 20, thereby providing substantial improvement over the priorart in the operator time taken away from operation of controller 10.This feature of the invention is particularly useful in game controllerswherein split second operation substantially affects the gameperformance. Opening 14 provides unobstructed exchange operation, andeliminates covers and moving doors subject to breakage and jamming inthe excitement of game operation.

Although the invention has been described in terms of certain preferredembodiments, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the artthat modifications and improvements can be made to the inventiveconcepts herein without departing from the scope of the invention. Theembodiments shown herein are merely illustrative of the inventiveconcepts and should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of theinvention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A portable battery operated apparatus forpermitting replacement of a battery having positive and negativeterminals, comprising: a housing; an opening in said housing having afirst aperture and a second aperture, wherein said first and secondapertures are sufficiently large to permit movement of the batterytherethrough and wherein said battery is moveable into said openingthrough said first aperture and through said second aperture; andretainer means engaged with said housing for holding the battery in aselected position relative to said opening, wherein the battery isaccessible through said opening for permitting displacement of thebattery from said opening.
 2. An apparatus as recited in claim 1,wherein the battery is insertable through said first aperture intoengagement with said retaining means, and wherein said battery isdisplaceable through said second aperture.
 3. An apparatus as recited inclaim 1, wherein the battery is completely contained within said openingand does not extend outside of said housing when said retainer meansholds said battery.
 4. An apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein thebattery is displaceable from said retainer means by contact with anotherbattery moving through said opening.
 5. An apparatus as recited in claim1, wherein said retainer means comprises electrical contacts forengagement with the battery terminals.
 6. An apparatus as recited inclaim 5, wherein said electrical contacts are engaged with the batteryterminals as the battery is moved through said opening.
 7. A portable,battery operated apparatus for permitting replacement of a batteryhaving a charge indicator strip and having positive and negativeterminals, comprising: a housing; an opening in said housing having afirst aperture and a second aperture, wherein said first and secondapertures are sufficiently large to permit movement of the batterytherethrough; retainer means engaged with said housing for holding thebattery in a selected position relative to said opening. wherein thebattery is accessible through said opening for permitting displacementof the battery from said opening; and means engaged with said housingfor activating the battery charge indicator strip.
 8. A portableapparatus having electronic components powered by a battery, comprising;a housing: an opening in said housing having a first aperture and asecond aperture, wherein said first and second apertures aresufficiently large to permit movement of the battery therethrough:battery contacts within said opening for engaging the battery; and acartridge for carrying the battery which is insertable into said openingfor restraining the battery in engagement with said battery contacts andfor releasably permitting the battery to be displaced from said opening.9. An apparatus as recited in claim 8, wherein said electrical contactsare engaged with the positive and negative terminals of the battery asthe battery is moved through said opening.
 10. An apparatus as recitedin claim 9, wherein the battery is displaceable from said opening byanother battery moving through said opening.